33 Countries of Origin’ Profiles

15 Government Benjamin Elisha Sawe Iran i s a Middle-Eastern country also known as the Islamic Republic of Iran and has a theocratic government, in which most policies are based on Islamic religious ideologies. The political structure of the country comprises of the supreme leader, the executive, the legislature, the judiciary, and other institutions such as the Assembly of Experts, the Expediency Discernment Council, and the City and Village Councils of Iran. The country follows a constitution that was ratified by referendum in 1979, and later amended in 1989. The Iranian constitution outlines and defines the political, economic, and social structure of the country. The supreme leader of the Islamic Republic is the ruler and the Commander-in-Chief of the country – Hassan Rohani. Refugees Connie Agius Iran is a dangerous place to be different. People are persecuted for political views, their race, gender sexuality and religion. One man who knows is Ali Akbar Mousavi, a former member of the Iranian parliament. He left the country in 2009 and has settled in the US. ALI AKBAR MOUSAVI: I was in prison and I've been tortured two times. And then I left the country because the situation in the country and the security situation for me and my family was not very good. CONNIE AGIUS: Some may say Mr Mousavi's case is unique because he's a politician. But he believes ordinary Iranians are just as easily pursued by authorities. Australian government figures support that. So far this year, 5,541people have arrived in Australia - that's up from 2,749 in 2012. ALI AKBAR MOUSAVI: Lots of people since 2009, especially after the presidential election and crackdown of the government increased. The freedom of expression is very bad in the country and since 2004 especially until now. Actually most of the people who left the country, they left because of that limitation. CONNIE AGIUS: But political persecution is just one reason authorities pursue people in Iran. There are many others. Graham McGregor is Amnesty International's refugee spokesperson. GRAHAM MCGREGOR: Human rights abuses are still very widespread and are still carried